Z 2134

the Chief of City Watch said, sitting on the other side of the massive schoolmaster’s desk. “You’re not here because you’re in trouble, son. You’re here because you need my help.” He smiled again, but Adam had trouble meeting his eyes.
    “Please, I can’t help you unless you help me first. I need you to tell me what happened. You’ve nothing to be ashamed of. Remember our talk and what I told you about fear, Adam. Courage isn’t the lack of fear, but rather, action in its face. Are you ready to take action?”
    Adam didn’t nod, shake his head, or say a single word.
    Keller said, “The only way to solve our little problem, and it is our problem, Adam, since your problems are my problems now. That’s what it means to have true friends. Our problems aren’t solved until you earn respect, and you’ll only earn respect if you target the strongest bully in the bunch and bring him to his knees. Are you ready to do that?”
    “I can’t fight them,” Adam said. “Especially Morgan. Plus, my dad said you should always turn the other cheek, and use what’s in your head to avoid using your fists.”
    The smile faded from Keller’s face for the briefest of seconds before returning.
    “Your dad was only trying to protect you, and while his intentions were good, he coddled you, making you a victim afraid to fight back. And you know what happens to victims who don’t fight back?”
    Adam shook his head. “No, sir.”
    Keller slammed his open palms down hard on the desk, startling Adam.
    “They keep being victimized!”
    “What am I supposed to do?” Adam asked, his voice on the verge of a whine he hated to have. “The counselors all say no fighting. I’ll get in trouble.”
    “I promise, son, good things are happening to you now. You’re my friend, so you won’t be getting into trouble again.” Keller leaned across the desk. “All you have to do is walk right up to the biggest bastard — I’m going to guess it’s Morgan — and punch him in the mouth as hard as you can. Then jump on top of him and keep hitting him until he’s crying and begging you to get off.”
    “Really?” Adam said, excitement blooming in his chest. “Just like that?”
    Keller smiled, his widest one yet. “Just like that,” he said.
    “But what if he pulls a knife?”
    “Then you pull this,” Keller said, reaching into his jacket pocket and pulling a black cylinder from the interior. It looked like two fat pens stuck together, with one tip.
    “What’s that?” Adam asked, leaning across the desk.
    Keller slipped the cylinder into his hand. Adam stared, his eyes widening as he moved it from one curled palm to the other, feeling the weight in his hand; slightly heavy, though still lighter than it looked — no reason he couldn’t carry it in his pocket and use it when needed.
    “It’s a mini-stunner,” Keller said. “They’re highly illegal; simply carrying one on your person can get you into a world of trouble. Then again,” he smiled, as wide as before but darker. “Your friends aren’t supposed to be carrying knives in the orphanage, either, right?”
    Adam nodded.
    “The trick is to keep the stunner hidden in your hand and not let anyone see it until it’s too late for them to do anything about it. My best advice, young Lovecraft, is to sneak up on Morgan and punch him as hard as you can. If he manages to get up from the ground, even after you’ve given him your best knuckle sandwich, squeeze the buttons on either side of this little beauty and hit him with the tip. It delivers a powerful shock that will knock him out for a few minutes. I suggest you spend those minutes beating him to within an inch of his life.”
    Adam was breathing so heavily in nervous excitement that he thought he might hyperventilate.
    “You got that?” Keller asked.
    Adam nodded, then said, “Are you sure? Maybe I should just let things go and hope Morgan, Tommy, and Daniel forget about it.”
    “They won’t forget,” Keller said. “That’s not how bullies operate. The only way to deal with a bully like Morgan, or his minions, is to teach them a lesson — one they’ll never forget.”
    “When should I try?”
    “Don’t try,” Keller said. “Do. I suggest waiting until lunch, dinner, or TV Hall later tonight. Do it soon, and I’ll discuss the situation with your counselors to make sure everything runs smoothly and nothing stands in your way.”
    Adam stared at Keller, without any idea what to say. “Why